Con sordino, con sordini - Musical Definition

Con sordino, con sordini - With the mute. On string instruments the orchestral mute is usually attached permanently to the strings below the bridge. It is slipped onto the bridge when in use.

A practice mute is a larger device that allows for quiet practice. It is not permanently attached.

In brass instruments the mute is inserted into the bell of the instrument. The most commonly used is the straight mute. Other types include the bucket, cup and wah-wah (also known as harmon). A practice mute is also available.

On the guitar muting is a technique – it does not involve adding an additional device to the instrument. It can be achieved with the right or left hand: